The 86 x 45 x 10mm device will allow you to create a personal Wi-Fi connection while on the move – provided you’re within range of 3’s network, of course. You won’t have to install any software on your laptop, simply power-up the unit and jump onto the Wi-Fi connection it then picks up.

What’s great about 3’s Wi-Fi modem – which is actually the E583X from Huawei – is that you can use it to simultaneously connect up to five wireless devices to the internet. It also features an integrated Micro SD memory card slot, which could come in handy.

The gadget will last for around five hours of continuous use and can be recharged through a USB connection, according to Huawei.

It’s worth noting that similar devices from other manufacturers are already available in the UK, but 3 told Register Hardware that it’s Huawei-manufactured unit is the first to gain the …ahem…exclusive backing of a UK network operator.

Novtel’s MiFi unit, for example, works in much the same way and allows you to slip in a pay-as-you-go SIM card from any network operator in order to create a personal Wi-Fi network.